FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to the management of fluid in hair removal devices such as
razor cartridges and foils during shaving.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Razor cartridges are typically provided with a guard in front of the blades and a
cap behind the blades which contact the skin before and after the blades respectively.
The guard and cap may aid to establish the "shaving geometry" i.e. the parameters
which determine blade orientation and position relative to the skin and have a strong
influence on shaving performance and efficiency of the razor.
[0003] The guard is present on the razor cartridge to manage the skin and stretch the skin
prior to contact with the blade to ensure optimal contact with the blade without negative
skin sensations. The guards are typically provided from an elastomeric or thermoplastic
material to further improve skin contact and tactile performance. Recently guards
having longitudinal fins formed from such elastomeric materials have been incorporated
on the cartridge in order to improve the orientation of the hair in order to maximize
cutting efficiency, as described for example in
WO2010/039479 and
US2012/0144675.
[0004] In order to provide lubrication to the skin during the shave, a shaving preparation
is typically applied to the skin prior to shaving. In addition, the razor cartridge
may also be provided with a shaving aid usually present on the cap and or guard. The
shaving aid contains a lubricant typically within a matrix structure, which is designed
to release lubricant with water gradually during each shaving occasion and deposit
onto the skin. The lubricant is beneficial in reducing the friction between the skin
and the blades.
[0005] However it has been found that the optimization of the guard performance for skin
stretch may impact the performance of the lubricating material from the shaving aid
or preparation in that the guard reduces the ability of the lubricating material to
contact the skin at the contacting points of the blade and skin.
[0006] There is thus a need to provide a razor cartridge which has a guard to provide the
desired skin stretch and orientation prior to contact with the blade whilst ensuring
sufficient contact of the fluid, shaving aid or lubricant with the skin to improve
shave comfort and reduce skin irritation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A razor cartridge comprising a housing (20) having a proximal end portion (24), a
distal end portion (26), and first (28) and second (30) lateral end portions, and
at least one blade (22) positioned between said proximal (24) and distal (26) end
portions; said housing comprising:
- 1) A skin contacting bar (40) in front and adjacent said blade, wherein said skin
contacting bar (40) has a plurality of rigid projections (42) extending generally
perpendicular to said blade and
- 2) An elongated gap (108) adjacent said first guard (40) and generally parallel to
said skin contacting bar and
- 3) An elongated skin contacting element (60) adjacent said elongated gap (108), wherein
said elongated skin contacting element (60) has from 2 to 30 discrete fluid pathway
channels (62) preferably extending generally perpendicular to said blade, each channel
having a respective fluid inlet (64) and fluid outlet (65) and corresponding land
portions (63) in-between said channels, wherein at least one of said land portions,
preferably each of said land portions comprises at least one skin stretching means
and wherein
- 4) Said fluid inlets (64) of said channels (62) are coincident with the edge of the
proximal end portion (24) of said housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008]
Figure 1 is a top view of one possible embodiment of a shaving razor of the present
invention.
Figure 2a is a detailed top plan view of the cartridge of figure 1.
Figure 2b is a detailed top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a cartridge
of the present invention
Figure 3 is a partial top plan view of an elongated skin contacting element of the
cartridge of Fig. 2b.
Figure 4A is an enlarged partial top plan view of the cartridge of Figure 2b.
Figure 4B is a partial cross section view of the cartridge, taken generally along
the line 4-4 of Figure 2b.
Figure 5 are cross sectional views of alternative configurations of the channels (62).
Figure 6 is a partial top view cut away of an alternative embodiment of a cartridge
shown in figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Referring to Fig. 1, one possible embodiment of the present invention is shown illustrating
a shaving razor (10) having a handle (12) and a cartridge (14). In certain embodiments,
the cartridge (14) may be detached and removed from the handle (12). The cartridge
(14) may be fixedly or pivotably mounted to the handle (12). The cartridge (14) may
also include an interconnect member (16) to which the cartridge (14) is pivotably
mounted about a pivot axis. The interconnect member (16) may include a base (18) which
is connected to the handle (12). The cartridge (14) includes a housing (20) that carries
one or more blades (22), a cap (32), and an elongated skin contacting element (60).
The one or more blades (22) may be mounted within the housing (20) and secured with
a pair of clips (34a and 34b). Other assembly methods known to those skilled in the
art may also be used to secure the blades (22) to the housing (20) including, but
not limited to, wire wrapping, cold forming, hot staking, insert molding, and adhesives.
The housing (20) includes a skin contacting bar (40) positioned adjacent the elongated
skin contacting element (60). The skin contacting bar (40), as illustrated in Fig.
1, has a generally rectangular cross section, but any number of cross sectional shapes
are possible, such as a circle, square, triangle, or oval. As will be described in
greater detail below, the elongated skin contacting element (60) may have one or several
discrete arrays of skin contacting members (80 and 90) to facilitate localized stretching
and/or orientation of hair.
[0010] Referring to Fig. 2, a top plan view of the cartridge (14) is shown. The housing
(20) may have a proximal end portion (24), a distal end portion (26), a first lateral
end portion (28), and a second lateral end portion (30). The cap (32) may be disposed
at the distal end portion (26) of the housing (20) and may include a lubricating strip
which is secured the housing (20). The skin contacting bar (40) is disposed at the
proximal end portion (24) of the housing (20) directly adjacent to the first blade
(22a) and adjacent the elongated gap (108) and the elongated skin contacting element
(60). The skin contacting bar (40) is separated from the elongated contacting element
(60) by the elongated gap (108) not shown here and described in more detail hereinafter.
The blades (22a-22e) may each have a respective blade edge that cuts the hair passing
from skin contacting bar (40). The edge of the first blade (22a) may be spaced apart
from the skin contacting bar (40) by distance of about 0.40mm, 0.50mm, or 0.60mm to
about 0.75mm, 1.25mm, or 1.5mm. The design of the skin contacting bar (40) may allow
for a larger or smaller distance between the skin contacting bar (40) and the edge
of the first blade (22a). In certain embodiments, the spacing between the skin contacting
bar (40) and the edge of the first blade (22a) may be less than about 0.05mm and the
skin contacting bar (40) may even touch the edge of the first blade (22a) for improved
safety.
[0011] The skin contacting bar (40) may extend longitudinally from the first lateral end
portion (28) to the second lateral end portion (30) of the housing (20). A plurality
of generally rigid projections (42) may extend along the skin contacting bar (40)
generally perpendicular to the first blade (22a). The generally rigid projections
(42) may be integral with or secured separately to the skin contacting bar (40). The
generally rigid projections (42) may be spaced apart to define an open channel (44).
The generally rigid projections (42) may be disposed along a substantial length of
the skin contacting bar (40). Alternatively, the generally rigid projections (42)
may extend along only certain sections of the skin contacting bar (40), such as in
a middle portion or at the lateral end portions (28 and 30). The relatively large
number of generally rigid projections (42) over the length of the skin contacting
bar (40) may better distribute forces applied by the skin contacting bar (40) to the
skin surface, especially if the skin contacting bar (40) is made from a generally
rigid material. In certain embodiments, the skin contacting bar (40) may have about
20, 30, or 40 to about 60, 70, or 80 generally rigid projections (42), depending on
the pitch and length of the skin contacting bar (40). In one embodiment the skin contacting
bar may have from about 45 to about 65 generally rigid projections, or from about
50 to about 60 generally rigid projections and consequently the skin contacting bar
(40) may have about 21, 31, or 41 to about 61, 71 or 81 corresponding skin contacting
bar land portions in-between. In one embodiment the skin contacting bar (40) has 55
skin contacting bar land portions and 54 rigid projections (42). The greater number
of generally rigid projections (42) may also allow more hairs to pass between adjacent
generally rigid projections (42), which may increase the number of hairs that are
properly oriented prior to reaching the first blade (22a). The generally rigid projections
(42) may have a pitch of about 0.20mm, 0.40mm, or 0.60mm to about 0.8mm, 1.0mm, or
1.2mm.
[0012] The skin contacting bar (40) may be integral with the housing (20) or may be secured
to the housing (20) using mechanical, thermal or chemical manufacturing processes.
The skin contacting bar (40) may be injection molded from a semi-rigid polymer material.
A stiff or rigid material may allow the housing (20) to maintain a consistent geometry
during shaving and enhance the ability of the generally rigid projections (42) to
lift and orient hairs. The skin contacting bar (40) may be of sufficient stiffness
such that the generally rigid projections (42) do not bend or flex under normal shaving
conditions, which may adversely influence shave geometry. In certain embodiments,
the skin contacting bar (40) may be molded from the same material as the housing (20),
for example, Norylâ„¢ (a blend of polyphenylene oxide (PPO) and polystyrene developed
by General Electric Plastics, now SABIC Innovative Plastics). The skin contacting
bar (40) may be molded from other semi-rigid polymers preferably having a Shore A
hardness of about 50, 60 or 70 to about 90, 110, or 120. In alternative embodiments,
a segmented dynamic flexing cartridge may be provided having one or more skin contacting
bars (40) each having one or more generally rigid projections (42).
[0013] The elongated skin contacting element (60) is disposed at the proximal end portion
(24) of the housing (20) directly adjacent the elongated gap (108) and the skin contacting
bar (40). The elongated skin contacting element (60) extends longitudinally from the
first lateral end portion (28) to the second lateral end portion (30) of the housing
(20). The skin contacting bar (40) and the elongated skin contacting element (60)
are spaced apart by an elongated gap (108) which is generally parallel to said skin
contacting bar (40) and said elongated skin contacting element (60). The elongated
skin contacting element (60) has a first proximal end portion (72) and a first distal
end portion (70), preferably the first proximal end portion (72) is substantially
coincident with the edge of the proximal end portion (24) of the housing (20).
[0014] The elongated skin contacting element (60) is provided with from 2 to 30, or from
2 to 20, preferably from 4 to 20 or from 14 to 20 or from 16 to 18, or in an alternative
embodiment from 2 to 9 or alternatively from 4 to 8 discrete fluid pathway channels
(62), preferably extending generally perpendicular to said blade(s) (22) or blade
array. Typically, the channels extend from the first proximal end portion (72) to
the distal end portion (70), thereby creating a fluid pathway through the entire width
of the elongated skin contacting element (60). In a preferred embodiment, the first
proximal end portion (72) is coincident with the edge of the proximal end portion
(24) of the housing. Consequently, in use, fluid present on the skin surface will
enter the fluid pathway channels in the cartridge and flow towards the blade array.
The pathways are generally spaced equidistant apart from one another. Each respective
channel (62) has a fluid inlet (64) and fluid outlet (65). The channels are formed
by grooves or conduits extending from the skin contacting surface of the elongated
skin contacting element towards the non skin contacting surface to thereby provide
a defined discrete pathway to contain and transport fluid from the fluid inlet to
the fluid outlet thereof. Typically, the channels (62) have a pitch of about 1.5mm
to 6mm or alternatively from about 1.9mm to about 5.5mm and a depth of from about
0.1mm to 4mm, or from 0.1mm to 2mm or alternatively from about 0.7mm to about 1.5mm.
The depth of the channels may be uniform throughout the length of the channel or it
may be variable. The skin contacting surface area of the channels and the land portion
in-between may be substantially identical or different. Each channel extends from
the first proximal end portion (72) through the elongated resilient skin contacting
member 60 to the first distal end portion (70) of the elongated skin contacting member
(60). The fluid inlets (64) of said channels (62) are coincident with the edge of
the proximal end portion (24) edge of said housing. In one embodiment the elongated
skin contacting element (60) comprises 6 channels (62), wherein each of said channels
has a channel inlet (64) diameter of 1.1mm and has a channel outlet (65) of 0.3mm.
[0015] It has been found that the provision of the channels (62) to provide a discrete and
distinct fluid pathway as the fluid contacts the proximal end portion (24) of the
housing and enters the elongated skin contacting element (60) at the respective fluid
inlets, travelling through the elongated skin contacting element, thereby enables
the desired fluid to be delivered to the blade array without necessitating modification
of the skin contacting surface of the elongated skin contacting element (60) for that
purpose and thereby reducing the efficacy of the skin stretch functionality thereof.
[0016] In particular the combination of elongated skin contacting element (60), having channels
(62) and a land portions comprising skin stretching means such as an array of skin
contacting members, together with the skin contact bar (40) and elongated gap (108),
facilitate the continuous flow of lubricant to the blades whilst ensuring the desired
skin stretch and hair management and orientation before the blades to ensure a close
and comfortable shaving experience without irritation.
[0017] Each channel inlet for fluid entry (64) is typically located in the first proximal
end portion (72) of the elongated resilient skin contacting member (60) and is coincident
with the edge of the proximal end portion (24) edge of said housing. Similarly, each
channel outlet (65) for fluid exit is located in the first distal end portion (70).
Each channel inlet may independently have a substantially tapered edge. Each channel
inlet for fluid entry (64), channel (62) and channel outlet (65) together form a fluid
pathway to enable the flow of liquid through the elongated skin contacting member
(60) and to exit therefrom to the elongated gap (108).
[0018] The channels inlets (64) are located on the front peripheral edge (66) of the first
proximal end portion (72) of the elongated skin contacting element (60) and are coincident
with the front edge of said housing. This ensures that there are no obstructions to
the fluid entering the channels (62). For embodiments where the presence of a lubricating
member is desirable at the proximal end portion (24) of the housing (20), such lubricating
member is provided with channels corresponding to the elongated skin contacting element
(60) channels (62) so as to enable the flow of fluid through the lubricating member
to the channel inlet or the lubricating member is located below the channel inlets.
[0019] In another embodiment the channel outlets (65) may be located on the rear peripheral
edge (68) of the first distal end portion (70) and preferably are adjacent said elongated
gap (108). The channel inlets (64) and channel outlets (65) may independently have
a chamfered and or tapered edge. The front and rear peripheral edges (66 & 68) of
the elongated skin contacting element (60) may be substantially perpendicular to the
blade (22) plane or may be at an angle thereto. The channel inlets (64) and channel
outlets (65) are preferably located such that fluid can flow freely into the channels
without any obstruction.
[0020] In one embodiment one of more of the channels (62) may be provided with at least
2 or more channel inlets (64) which supply the fluid to the channel (62).
[0021] The channels (62) may have any shape or size, but are typically substantially parti-
cylindrical, tubular or truncated cone or truncated pyramid in shape and may be identical,
similar or different in size and shape and may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. In
the x axis plane the channels are typically quadrilateral for example rectangular,
or trapezium. Preferably, the channels (62) do not have any angular corners or edges
to facilitate fluid flow, particularly of viscous compositions through the channels
(62). Each channel may independently have a channel diameter or major axis of from
about 0.3mm to about 5.0mm or from about 1.0mm to about 2.5mm. In one embodiment the
channel diameter or major axis is substantially uniform along the entire length of
the channel. In another embodiment the channel diameter or major axis at the channel
inlet (64) may be greater or less than the channel outlet (65). In one embodiment
the channel inlet (64) diameter or major axis is greater than the diameter or major
axis of the corresponding channel outlet (65), preferably at a ratio of from 10:1,
or more preferably from 5:1. The diameter/ or major axis of the channel outlet (65)
may be from 0.2mm to about 2.0mm or from about 0.4mm to 0.9mm. The diameter/ or major
axis of the channel inlet (64) may be from 1.0mm to about 5.0mm or from about 1.5mm
to 3.1mm. In one embodiment, the channel may be tapered or graduated through a portion
of its length. For example the channel inlet (64) and or outlet (65) may each independently
have a funnel or funnel like shape. Such configurations aid the transport of the fluid
through the elongated skin contacting element (60) towards and into the elongated
recess to thereby ensure the delivery of the fluid to the blades.
[0022] The channels have a length that substantially corresponds to the length of the elongated
skin contacting element (60) and is typically from about 2.0mm to about 8.0mm, preferably
from about 3.0mm mm to about 6.0mm. In alternative embodiment at least one or a plurality
of the channels may extend beyond the elongated resilient skin contacting element
(60) towards the elongated gap (108). The channel outlet (64) may be adjacent to or
also extend into the elongated gap (108) in order to ensure that the fluid accumulates
therein prior to passing through the blade array.
[0023] Each channel may independently have a volume of from about 2.0mm
3 to 8.0mm
3, or from about 3.0mm
3 to about 6.0mm
3.
[0024] The channels may each independently provide a straight, curved or angular fluid pathway
from the fluid inlet (64) to the fluid outlet (65). The channel pathway may be substantially
perpendicular to the blade array. The fluid pathway may be located to be substantially
parallel to the skin contacting surface of the elongated skin contacting member (60).
In another embodiment the fluid pathway of the channels may independently extend towards
the skin contacting surface of the elongated skin contacting member in a linear or
curved configuration.
[0025] The channels (62) may be formed as a single structure for example within a single
elongated resilient skin contacting member (60) or may be formed from separate components
which are assembled to form the channels and optionally the elongated skin contacting
element (60). In one embodiment at least a portion of the channel(s) may be formed
from a secondary component. In another embodiment at least a portion of the channel(s)
may be formed by the insertion of a secondary structure in to the elongated resilient
skin contacting element (60). In another embodiment the channels may be formed from
the combination of the elongated skin contacting element (60) and the housing (20)
or a portion of the housing (20).
[0026] In another embodiment, the channels (62) may become deformed during cartridge use
as the elongated skin contacting element (60) is pressed against the user's skin.
Such deformation may enable the channels to function as a pump to thereby pump the
fluid through the channels (62) as the pressure against the skin is increased and
decreased as the cross sectional diameter or major axis decreases.
[0027] In certain embodiments, the channels (62) may be molded from the same material as
the housing (20) and or the elongated skin contacting element (60). Suitable materials
include for example, Norylâ„¢ (a blend of polyphenylene oxide (PPO) and polystyrene
developed by General Electric Plastics, now SABIC Innovative Plastics). The channels
(62) and or elongated skin contacting element (60) may be molded from other semi-rigid
polymers preferably having a Shore A hardness of from about 30, 40, 50, 60 or 70 to
about 90, 110, or 120. The channels and or elongated skin contacting element (60)
may alternatively be made from thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) or rubbers; examples
may include, but are not limited to silicones, natural rubber, butyl rubber, nitrile
rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) TPEs, styrene ethylene
butadiene styrene (SEBS) TPEs (e.g., Kraton), polyester TPEs (e.g., Hytrel), polyamide
TPEs (Pebax), polyurethane TPEs, polyolefin based TPEs, and blends of any of these
TPEs (e.g., polyester/SEBS blend), or may comprise Kraiburg HTC 1028/96, HTC 8802/37,
HTC 8802/34, or HTC 8802/11 (KRAIBURG TPE GmbH & Co. KG of Waldkraiburg, Germany).
The skin contacting element (60) is preferably elastic and or resilient.
[0028] The channels may be formed using known manufacturing techniques such as injection
molding, ultrasonic welding and the like.
[0029] The elongated skin contacting element (60) further comprises corresponding land portions
(63) in-between said channels. Thus the elongated skin contacting element comprises
from 1 to 31 land portions, or 1 to 21 land portions or 13 to 21 land portions or
3 to 9 land portions. At least one land portion and preferably each of said land portions
may comprise at least one skin stretching means as described hereinafter. The land
portions may provide a total skin contacting surface area which is substantially the
same as that of the total skin contacting surface area of the channels or it may be
different. In this manner the degree of skin stretching provided by the razor cartridge
maybe altered according to the particular consumer need.
[0030] Suitable skin stretching means for use on the land portions of the elongated skin
contacting element includes at least one skin contacting member, such as a plurality
of distinct arrays of skin contacting members; a structure or coating material to
increase friction; a plurality of three dimensional microstructures; a structure or
coating material to modulate friction and combinations thereof.
[0031] The elongated skin contacting element (60) may comprise at least one skin contacting
member, preferably a plurality of distinct arrays of skin contacting members (80 and
90). The arrays of skin contacting members (80 and 90) can have different sizes, shapes
and geometries. In particular, the arrays of skin contacting members (80 and 90) can
be in the form of nubs or fin segments that are spaced apart or interconnected. The
arrays of skin contacting members (80 and 90) may also have different patterns or
may be oriented at different angles with respect to the blades, e.g., in zigzag, chevron,
herringbone, parallel or checkerboard patterns. The arrays of skin contacting members
(80 and 90) can also take the form of spaced fin segments that are arranged in rows
oriented generally parallel to the blades or spaced fin segments that are arranged
both parallel to and perpendicular to the blades. In one embodiment the array of skin
contacting members (80 and 90) are arranged on each land portion of the skin contacting
element (60) and comprise substantially identical patterns of spaced fin segments
arranged substantially parallel to the blades.
[0032] In one embodiment the land portions of the elongated skin contacting element (60)
may define at least 2 distinct areas on at least one land portion (63), preferably
all of the land portions (63). The land portion may have a first distinct area located
towards the front peripheral edge (66) of the elongated skin contacting element (60)
and a second distinct area located towards the rear peripheral edge (68) of the elongated
skin contacting element (60). The first and second distinct areas comprise different
skin stretching means. For example the first distinct area may comprise a coating
material to modify friction whereas the second distinct area may comprise an array
of skin contacting members such as fins arranged in a regular pattern or vice versa.
Alternatively the first and second distinct areas may comprise 2 distinct arrays of
skin contacting members. The provision of such distinct areas may further aid providing
consumer desirable skin stretch.
[0033] In certain embodiments, the elongated skin contacting element (60) may be insert
injection molded or co-injection molded to the housing (20), however, other known
assembly methods may also be used such as adhesives, ultrasonic welding, or mechanical
fasteners. The elongated skin contacting element (60) and the array of skin contacting
members (80 and 90) may be molded from a softer material than the skin contacting
bar (40). For example, the elongated skin contacting element (60) and the array of
skin contacting members (80 and 90) may have a Shore A hardness of about 20, 30, or
40 to about 50, 60, or 70. In one embodiment the elongated skin contacting element
(60) is resilient. The elongated skin contacting element (60) and the array of skin
contacting members (80 and 90) may be made from thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) or
rubbers; examples may include, but are not limited to silicones, natural rubber, butyl
rubber, nitrile rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, styrene butadiene styrene (SBS)
TPEs, styrene ethylene butadiene styrene (SEBS) TPEs (e.g., Kraton), polyester TPEs
(e.g., Hytrel), polyamide TPEs (Pebax), polyurethane TPEs, polyolefin based TPEs,
and blends of any of these TPEs (e.g., polyester/SEBS blend). In certain embodiments,
the elongated skin contacting element 60 and the array of skin contacting members
(80 and 90), may comprise Kraiburg HTC 1028/96, HTC 8802/37, HTC 8802/34, or HTC 8802/11
(KRAIBURG TPE GmbH & Co. KG of Waldkraiburg, Germany). A softer material may enhance
skin stretching, as well as provide a more pleasant tactile feel against the skin
of the user during shaving. A softer material may also aid in masking the less pleasant
feel of the harder material of the housing (20) and/or the skin contacting bar (40)
against the skin of the user during shaving.
[0034] The land portion(s) of the elongated skin contacting element (60) may comprise any
structure or coating to increase or modulate the friction thereof in order to effectively
engage with and stretch the skin. In one embodiment the elongated skin contacting
element (60) may comprise a plurality of three dimensional microstructures. The three
dimensional shapes can comprise polyhedrons, hemispheres, cones, cubes, cylinders
and combinations thereof. The structures may be close packed or oriented at a distance
from one another. The structures can be formed from a base substrate alone or a base
structure with a coating wherein the coating partially or totally covers the base
substrate. The base substrate can comprise materials selected from the materials listed
hereinabove and materials such as polyurethane, aluminium, polypropylene, steel, glass
acrylic, polyimide, polyetheretherketone, biopolymer or combinations thereof. In certain
embodiments the base structure may comprise materials to enable the high friction
microstructures to wear away and signal end of cartridge life. The coating may act
to modulate the friction or aesthetic appearance of the base substrate or act as a
barrier between the skin and the base substrate or a combination thereof. The base
structure and coating may be joined to the housing using a number of conventionally
known attachment mechanisms including, but not limited to, adhesive, injection moulding,
ultrasonic bonding, bonding, insert moulding, over moulding or combinations thereof.
[0035] In one embodiment the land portions of the elongated skin contacting element in the
presence of absence of an array of skin contacting members and or three dimensional
microstructures, may be coated with a material to modulate friction. In wet shaving
hydrophobic or omniphobic surfaces would generally be chosen to provide this benefit.
Any suitable route for creating this coating can be considered including chemical
bonding (ionic or covalent), physi sorption of suitable moieties. Examples of such
techniques would be hydrophobic polymer brushes via ATRP reaction chemistry or liquid
infused porous surface e.g. SLIPS. Preferably the coating technique is chosen to be
able to withstand the aggressive conditions that the skin contacting surface may be
exposed to during use.
[0036] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elongated skin contacting
element comprises 17 channels regularly disposed thereon evenly and 18 corresponding
land portions in-between and at each end thereof. Each of the channel inlets has a
diameter of 1.1mm and a channel outlet diameter of 0.43mm. The channel pitch is 1.9mm.
Each channel has a convex bass and has a depth of 1.1mm at the channel inlet and 0.7mm
at the channel outlet. Each of the land portions has a lateral array of skin contacting
members in the form of 12 fins.
[0037] Referring to Fig. 3, a top plan view of the elongated skin contacting element (60)
is shown. The elongated skin contacting element (60) may include a distal end portion
(70), a proximal end portion (72), a first lateral end portion (74) and a second lateral
end portion (76). The elongated skin contacting element (60) may include one or more
lateral arrays of skin contacting members In addition to the skin contacting members
present on the land portions thereof, a lateral array of skin contacting members may
be disposed at the first lateral end portion (74) and another lateral array of skin
contacting members may be disposed at the second lateral end portion (76) of the elongated
skin contacting element (60). The lateral arrays of skin contacting members may have
a similar pattern, such as one or more flexible skin-engaging projections (82 and
92) that extend generally parallel to the blades. One lateral array of skin contacting
members may have a length L
1 that extends from the first lateral end portion (74) towards the second lateral end
portion (76). In certain embodiments, L
1 may be about 0.5mm, 1mm, or 3mm to about 5mm, 7mm, or 9mm. The other lateral array
of skin contacting members (90) may have a length L
2 that extends from the second lateral end portion (76) towards the first lateral end
portion (74). In certain embodiments, L
1 and L
2 may be generally the same, for example, L
2 may be about 0.5mm, 1mm, or 3mm to about 5mm, 7mm, or 9mm. The lengths L
1 and L
2 may provide for increased skin stretching at the first and second lateral end portions
(74) and (76) relative to an area between the first and second lateral end portions
(74 and 76). A force applied by the elongated resilient skin contacting element 60
to the surface of the skin may not be uniform along its entire length. Additional
skin stretching may be needed at the lateral end portions (74 and 76) of the elongated
skin contacting element (60) to provide for a more uniform skin stretching profile
along the length of the elongated skin contacting element (60). A more uniform skin
stretching profile may result in a more consistently close and comfortable shave along
the entire length of the cartridge (14), rather than a close and comfortable shave
along only certain areas of the cartridge (14).
[0038] Referring to Fig. 4A, an enlarged partial top plan view of the cartridge (14) is
shown. Typical guards only have a single pattern that is either traverse to the direction
of shaving (which is not optimal for skin stretching) or is parallel to the shaving
direction (which is not optimal for hair alignment and may remove too much shave preparation).
The elongated skin contacting element 60 may have several distinct arrays of skin
contacting members (80 and 90) which can be used in combination with the skin contact
bar (40) to provide an optimum balance of skin stretching and proper hair alignment.
[0039] The elongated gap (108) may extend generally the length of the skin contacting bar
(40), but may be shorter if desired. The elongated gap (108) may be provided to facilitate
the release of any hair that might be pressed against the surface of the skin back
to a more upright orientation as the hair passes to skin contacting bar (40). The
elongated gap (108) may have a width of about, 0.1mm or 0.2mm to about 0.3mm, 0.4mm,
or 0.5mm. In certain embodiments, the elongated gap (108) may extend continuously
along the length skin contacting bar (40) or the elongated gap (108) may include segments
that extend in a discontinuous manner along the length of the skin contacting bar
(40). The elongated gap may have a depth of at least 0.1mm and a width of at least
0.1mm.
[0040] The generally rigid projections (42) of the skin contacting bar (40) may facilitate
the management of skin and the guiding of hair to the first blade. The generally rigid
projections (42) may also facilitate the lifting of hairs from the surface of the
skin. Adjacent generally rigid projections (42) may be spaced apart to define the
open channel (44) that is dimensioned to facilitate the generally unobstructed passage
of hair to the first blade with minimal pulling or tugging of the hair, which may
result in discomfort. The open channels (44) may also be dimensioned to reduce skin
bulges and pressure points at ends of the generally rigid projections (42), which
may result if the spacing is too great between adjacent generally rigid projections
(42). For example, if the generally rigid projections (42) are spaced too far apart,
skin may bulge into the open channel (44) which may result in the skin being unnecessarily
sliced or cut by one or more of the blades. In certain embodiments, the generally
rigid projections (42) may be spaced apart (i.e., the open channel 44) by a dimension
"d
2" of about 0.10mm, 0.20mm or 0.30mm to about 0.35mm, 0.40mm, or 0.49mm, however d
2 may be larger or smaller depending on the thickness and amount of hair passing through
the open channels (44). Improper spacing may result in discomfort caused by pressure
points, skin bulges and/or the pulling of hair.
[0041] The generally rigid projections (42) may be sufficiently rigid such that the geometry
of the open channels (44) remains consistent during shaving, thus maintaining optimum
blade-skin geometry resulting in a closer and more comfortable shave. A top face of
the skin contacting bar (40) may be generally flat for improved management of skin
flow and increased comfort. In certain embodiments, the generally rigid projections
(42) may have a width "w
4" that is generally equivalent to d
2. For example, the w
4 may be about 0.10mm, 0.20mm, or 0.30mm to about 0.35mm, 0.40mm, or 0.49mm, however
w
4 may also be larger or smaller depending on the desired total contact area with the
skin surface The dimensions of generally rigid projections 42 and, the open channels
44, may allow for an optimal balance of skin management, comfort, hair orientation,
and rinsability.
[0042] Referring to Fig. 4B the flexible skin-engaging projections 82 (not shown), 92 ,
may extend from a base (120) of the elongated resilient skin contacting element (60).
The base (120) may be inclined along a generally curved plane P1. A top surface of
the flexible skin-engaging projections (92) may be oriented along a generally inclined
curved plane P2. The flexible skin-engaging projections (92) may have a height h
1, as measured from P1 to P2, of about 0.25mm, 0.50mm, or 0.75mm to about 1.0mm, 1.25mm,
or 2mm. A top surface of the flexible skin-engaging projections (92) may be oriented
along a generally inclined curved plane P3. The flexible skin-engaging projections
(82 and 92) may have a height h
2, as measured from P1 to P3, of about 0.1mm, 0.25mm, or 0.5mm to about 0.75mm, 1.0mm,
or 1.5mm. In certain embodiments, h
1 may be greater than h
2, to provide the flexible skin-engaging projections (92) with increased flexibility
and skin stretching properties. It is understood that due to the possible inclines
of planes P1, P2 and P3, the height (h1, h2 and h3) of the individual flexible skin-engaging
projections 82 (not shown) and 92 and 102 may vary along the elongated resilient skin
contacting element (60).
Shaving Aid
[0043] The razor cartridge may further comprise a lubricating strip or shaving aid comprising
a lubricant, or lubricating material. The lubricating material can be in various forms,
as well as mixtures/combinations thereof, as will be described below. The lubricating
strip may be located in front or behind of the blades (22) and may be statically or
spring mounted on the housing (20). A lubricating member can be comprised of any solid
chemistry on a razor cartridge and is often referred to as a shaving aid. The shaving
aid on a razor cartridge is often in the form of a strip and is referred to as a lubrastrip.
Lubrastrips are typically in the form of a water insoluble structurant or matrix polymer
such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and a water
soluble lubricant such as a high molecular weight polyethylene oxide. Other forms
of shaving aid include but are not limited to soaps and other lubricating chemistries
which can be produced by hot moulding, injection moulding, extrusion or other processes
known in the art.
[0044] In the case of a matrix of high molecular weight polyethylene oxide and high impact
polystyrene the high impact polystyrene serves as the supporting structure for the
lubricating strip and the high molecular weight polyethylene oxide serves as the lubricating
component. Examples of suitable lubricating members are described in
U.S. 7,811,553;
U.S. 2008/0060201A1;
U.S. 2009/0223057 A1; and
GB 2138438B.
[0045] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly
limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified,
each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40
mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
1. A razor cartridge comprising a housing (20) having a proximal end portion (24), a
distal end portion (26), and first (28) and second (30) lateral end portions, and
at least one blade (22) positioned between said proximal (24) and distal (26) end
portions; said housing (20) comprising
i) A skin contacting bar (40) in front and adjacent said blade (22), wherein said
skin contacting bar (40 has a plurality of rigid projections (42) extending generally
perpendicular to said blade,
ii) an elongated gap (108) adjacent said skin contacting bar (40) and generally parallel
to said skin contacting bar (40) and
iii) an elongated skin contacting element (60) adjacent said elongated gap (108),
wherein said elongated skin contacting element (60) has from 2 to 30 discrete fluid
pathway channels (62), preferably extending generally perpendicular to said blade
(22), each channel (62) having a fluid inlet (64) and fluid outlet (65) and corresponding
land portions (63) in-between said channels (62), wherein at least one of said land
portions (63), preferably each of said land portions (63) comprises at least one skin
stretching means and
iv) wherein said fluid inlets (64) of said channels (62) are coincident with the edge
of the proximal end portion (24) of said housing (20).
2. A razor cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said elongated skin contacting element
(60) comprises from 4 to 20 of said channels (62).
3. A razor cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said elongated
skin contacting element (60) has a first proximal end portion (72) and a first distal
end portion (70), and wherein said fluid inlets (64) of said channels (62) are located
in said first proximal end portion (72) and said fluid outlets (65) are located in
said first distal end portion (70).
4. A razor cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each of said
channels (62) independently has a diameter or major axis of from 0.3mm to 5.0mm, preferably
from 1.0mm to 2.5mm.
5. A razor cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said
channels (62) has a depth of from 0.1mm to 4.0mm.
6. A razor cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio
of the channel inlets (64) diameter to the channel outlets (65) diameter is 10:1,
preferably 5:1.
7. A razor cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said
channels (62) have a length of from 2mm to 8mm.
8. A razor cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one
of said channel outlet (65) extends into said elongated gap (108).
9. A razor cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said channels
have a volume of 3mm3 to 6mm3.
10. A razor cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least
one skin stretching means is selected from at least one skin contacting member, preferably
a plurality of distinct arrays of skin contacting members; a structure or coating
material to increase friction; a plurality of three dimensional microstructures; a
coating material to modulate friction and a combination thereof.
11. A razor cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said skin
stretching means comprises a plurality of distinct arrays of skin contacting members.
12. A razor cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said
land portions (63) comprises a skin stretching means.
13. A razor cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said housing
(20) further comprises at least one shaving aid.
14. A razor cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said elongated
gap (108) has a width of 0.2mm to 0.5mm and preferably extends the length of the skin
contacting bar (40).
15. A razor cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said channel
inlets (64) have a diameter of from 1.0mm to 5mm and said channel outlets (65) have
a diameter of from 0.2mm to 2.0mm.
16. A razor cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel
inlet (64) diameter is greater than the channel outlet (65) diameter, preferably wherein
the ratio of the diameter of the channel inlet (64) to channel outlet (65) is 10:1,
preferably 5:1.
17. A razor cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said elongated
skin contacting element (60) comprises 6 channels (62), wherein each of said channels
have a channel inlet (64) diameter of 1.1mm and a channel outlet (65) of 0.3mm.